Best Deck Stain in 2024 - Top Picks by Woodsmith (2024)

Penofin Deep Penetrating Oil Finish

While stains are usually bought for aesthetic purposes, other substances like oil treatments are used to protect the wood instead. These can help preserve the nature and overall quality of the wood for years to come. I could see myself using an oil treatment if the wood is exposed to the elements, such as outdoor weather, rain, dirt, and possible abrasion.

One key feature of this oil treatment is the fact that it helps block ultraviolet rays. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are powerful, and they can wear down any wooden plank or deck over time. Placing this treatment on the deck keeps the wood in good condition despite direct contact with the sun’s rays. If your deck isn’t in the shade, you may want treatment of this kind to keep your wood looking fresh and new.

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Storm System Penetrating Deck Stain

Where I live, it rains at least once a week. Rain, and especially storms, can be difficult for wood to handle. Water is known to wear down anything over time, including wooden decks. To prevent this, people use treatments such as the STORM SYSTEM Storm Protector Penetrating Sealer & Stain Protector to keep their decks in prime condition.

The formula of the stain protector works with many types of wood. Whether it be mahogany, cedar, redwood, pine, cypress, spruce, or anything else, the stain will penetrate deep into the wood to keep both the interior and exterior in shape. It’s easily applied by using a brush, roller, or even a spray, so you’ll find it surprisingly simple to work with.

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Cabot Wood Toned Deck Stain

While indoor decks do actually exist, most decks are exposed to the elements outside. This deck stain is ideal for outdoor decks that are left to fend off rain and sunshine on a daily basis. The stain comes in five different shades, giving you options to choose the ideal color for your deck.

This stain turns your deck into a water-repellant surface. Wood typically absorbs water and, as a result, loses its quality over time. If you apply a stain, however, this quality doesn’t go away as the water can’t penetrate deep into the wood. And finally, while the stain does come in a few shades, the stain is translucent, meaning that you’ll still see the natural look and color of the wood before the stain.

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Ready Seal 105 Exterior Deck Stain

Let’s start off this list with the most popular deck stain you can find on the internet. With over five thousand reviews on Amazon and a 4+ star rating, I think it’s safe to say that thousands of people are satisfied with their purchase. The stain comes in both 1-gallon and 5-gallon options. So, if you’re only applying the stain on a small area, you can go for the 1-gallon option, or you can choose 5 gallons if that’s not enough.

The deck stain comes in a variety of colors. In total, there are 9 different options to choose from, ranging from Light Oak to Dark Walnut and even Burnt Hickory. There’s a shade and color for just about everybody, so if you’re indecisive like me, you may even find it difficult to choose the ideal stain. Additionaly, the stain does not require any sort of primer to be applied to the wood. So, you can simply apply the stain directly as soon as you get the deck cleaned up, which makes the entire process much simpler and faster.

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DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Stain

Hardwood is a common material used in building decks. It’s sturdy, affordable, and reliable. If I had a hardwood deck, then I would want a specific stain that works best with the nature of hardwood. Enter DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Semi-Transparent 250 VOC Natural Finish, a natural-looking solution to keep any hardwood floor or deck in tip-top shape.

The formula minimizes odors by penetrating deep into the surface of the hardwood. It’s also useful for any type of hardwood structure or component, whether it be a deck, railing, or stairs. You only need to apply the coat once for it to work, and the stain doesn’t crack or peel at all, making it incredibly easy to work with.

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Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Deck Stain

There’s a good chance that you’re still a little skeptical about the effectiveness of deck stains. After all, what can a thin layer of stain do against years and years of weathering and environmental changes? Well, this deck stain hopes to prove you wrong, as it boasts a very powerful formula that keeps any outdoor deck in perfect form.

The formula uses waterproofing technology that prevents the wood from cracking due to the presence of water. It’s also made with a Weather-Ready Application, which means that no matter the weather condition, you’ll be able to apply the stain whenever you feel like it. You don’t need to wait for the perfect weather to start working, as the formula was designed to work regardless.

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SaverSystem Semi-Transparent Deck Stain

Deck stains can come in transparent or semi-transparent formulas. Many people prefer the transparent formulas as it retains the natural color of the wood. But if you want to give your deck a little makeover while also revamping its color, then a semi-transparent solution would be better. You still retain some of the original nature of the wood while introducing new colors to shake things up.

If you’re like me, you try to be eco-conscious with your purchases. Lucky for you, this formula is better for the environment, as it has less than 50 g/L VOC content. A simple application of soap and water also gets rid of the formula from your hands or clothing, so you don’t have to worry about cleanup, either. Finally, the formula actually works on damp wood, so you don’t even need to wait for your deck to dry before starting your work.

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